ClassicMexicandishes likeenchiladasandtacos, paired with pizzaand burgersthat are becoming increasinglycommon on thedinner tables, is believed to be behindthe problem.The Mexicansalso havethe world record fordrinkingsoda-notlessthan 152liters ofsqueezingin themselvesper person per year.

Paradoxically,malnutritionis alsoa problemin the country.Studies suggest thatitmay be associatedwithfetmaepedemin. Some research suggeststhat those whoare malnourishedin infancy, as is common in Mexico, are more likely to put onas adults.

Mexico--Manuel Uribe, who once weighed 1,235 punds, has lost more than 500 pounds, thanks to an international team of doctors led by Dr Barry Sears, creator of the Zone diet. setting a new world record for the most weight lost.Photo: Manuel Uribe jokes as he holds a fruit cake with his girlfriend Claudia Solis outside his house in the suburb of San Nicolas de los Garza in the northern city of Monterrey.